Inexpensive Pool Solutions

Want a Pool Without Breaking the Bank? Here’s How

So, you want a pool but don’t want to drop a fortune? Fair enough. Pools are awesome in summer, but the cost of installation and maintenance can be a massive turnoff. The good news? You don’t need a fancy in-ground pool to enjoy cooling off in your backyard. There are plenty of affordable options that work just as well.

Let’s go through the best inexpensive pool solutions that won’t drain your wallet.

Above-Ground Pools—The No-Fuss Option

If you want something simple, an above-ground pool is the way to go. They’re easy to set up, relatively cheap, and perfect for families. You can find decent above-ground pools at places like:

The Warehouse – They often stock budget-friendly Bestway or Intex pools, perfect for summer.
Bunnings NZ – You’ll find a mix of frame pools and inflatable ones at good prices.
Trade Me – If you don’t mind second-hand, people sell their pop-up pools for way less than retail prices.

Setup is a breeze: Lay down a tarp, assemble the frame, fill it with water, and you’re good to go. Just make sure the ground is level, or you’ll end up with a lopsided pool (not a great look).

Pro tip: If you want something that lasts more than a season, avoid the all-inflatables—they tend to get punctured easily. Go for a steel-framed model instead.

DIY Natural Pools—If You’re Up for a Project

If you don’t mind a bit of work, consider a natural pool. Instead of chlorine and chemicals, these use plants and bio-filtration to keep the water clean. No expensive equipment, just nature doing its thing.

How do you make one? Here’s the basic idea:

Dig a shallow hole – Doesn’t have to be huge. Even a small pond-sized space works.
Line it with pond liner – Waterproofing is key. You can get this from landscaping suppliers or Mitre 10.
Create a plant filter zone – This part removes bacteria naturally. Use plants like reeds, water lilies, or rushes.
Add a simple pump – A small solar-powered pump helps keep the water circulating.

Natural pools take some effort upfront, but they need way less maintenance than a chlorine-filled one, and they look stunning in your backyard.

Stock Tank Pools—Yes, It’s a Thing

Ever seen those big metal cattle troughs on farms? Turns out, they make excellent budget-friendly pools. These stock tank pools are super popular overseas, and they’re catching on in NZ too.

Where to find them:

Farm supply stores like Farmlands or PGG Wrightson sometimes sell these tanks.
Trade Me has listings for stock tanks in different sizes.

All you need to do is:

Place it on a level surface.
Fill it with water.
Add a small pump if you want the water to stay fresh longer.

It’s a bit of a rustic look, but it actually works really well as a stylish, low-cost pool option. Plus, it lasts ages since it’s built tough for farm use.

Inflatable Pools—Good for a Quick Dip

If you just want something easy that you can put up and take down at the end of summer, an inflatable pool is your best bet.

Kmart NZ sells small inflatable pools that are great for kids.
The Warehouse and Bunnings have larger inflatable options if you want something big enough for adults.

Inflatable pools are perfect if you’re renting and can’t install a proper pool. Just be prepared to replace them every couple of seasons—eventually, they get holes or leaks.

Keeping Costs Low—Smart Pool Maintenance

So, you’ve got your pool sorted. Now, let’s talk maintenance without spending heaps.

Use a pool cover – This keeps leaves out and stops water from evaporating too fast. Kmart and Mitre 10 have affordable ones.
DIY chlorine alternatives – Baking soda can help balance pH if your pool needs it. Cheaper than buying pool chemicals.
Basic pool filter hacks – A simple pond pump from Trade Me can help circulate water in smaller pools for much less than a full-on pool filter system.

By the way, if you want to keep your pool warm, throw a few black rubbish bags filled with air onto the surface. It’s a budget version of a solar blanket (might look odd but works surprisingly well).

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a huge budget to have a pool in your backyard. Whether it’s a simple inflatable pool, a DIY natural swimming hole, or a funky stock tank setup, there are plenty of ways to cool off without going broke.

Check out The Warehouse, Bunnings, or Trade Me for deals, and start planning your perfect budget-friendly pool today.

Happy summer swimming!